It was recently reported that the number of fatalities of teenagers killed in car accidents in Oklahoma is on the rise. While car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers, AAA reports that 21 percent more teenagers were killed in car accidents in Oklahoma in 2015 than in 2014. Speeding remains the number one cause of car accidents involving teenagers. There have been a total of 14,000 fatal accidents involving teenagers in the U.S. over the last five years, and greater than 4,200 of them involved speeding.
The second most common cause of fatal accidents involving teenagers is distracted driving. Recent research revealed that a third of teenagers are waiting to get their licenses until they are 18. As such, they are not subject to graduated driving laws, which may be contributing to the number of fatal car accidents involving teens. Distracted driving is a serious concern on the roadways today and can lead to devastating car accidents that can take a toll on victims, families and communities.
When a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident involving the negligence of another party, legal options, including wrongful death claims and personal injury claims, may be available to help victims and their families recover compensation for the physical, financial and emotional harm associated with a car accident. Victims may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering damages. Family members may be able to recover medical and funeral expenses, loss of support and services, lost prospect of inheritance and pain and suffering damages.
The damages suffered by victims and their families are unique to each case, which is why it is important to understand the various legal options and how they may help in the specific circumstances a victim or surviving family member is facing.
